The Gallatin Valley MPO's Transportation Technical Advisory Committee met October 14 for its first comprehensive review of the regional Transportation Improvement Program and draft Long-Range Transportation Plan.
Jeff Butts, MPO staff, presented the five-year TIP covering fiscal years 2027–2031, which programs $170.9 million in revenue for 24 unique road and bridge projects plus transit and program funding. The TIP incorporates existing projects from the statewide transportation improvement program while establishing the MPO's first independent TIP document. Projects include Belgrade Main Street reconstruction ($1.2 million total), the Kagy Boulevard reconstruction in Bozeman ($42.5 million total), and transportation alternatives including pedestrian and bicycle projects ($1.6 million). Transit operations account for $13.8 million over five years. The committee approved the August 12 meeting minutes unanimously. The TIP must be adopted by December 26 to meet federal requirements. Comments are due by October 20 for the October 28 Transportation Policy Coordinating Committee agenda, with the TTAC reconvening November 5 for a recommendation vote before adoption by TPCC on December 16.
Butts also presented the draft Long-Range Transportation Plan, developed over two years with Nelson Nygaard consultants and input from TTAC, the Transportation Policy Coordinating Committee, a Community Advisory Panel, and the public. The plan includes adopted goals and objectives, a ranked list of priority projects, and new policy initiatives addressing Complete Streets, context-appropriate speeds, self-enforcing design near schools, and Open Streets events. Committee member Levi Ewan suggested outreach to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute on campus to present the plan to over 100 community members. Staff indicated website presence, community tabling, and neighborhood meetings were planned. Sunshine Ross noted appreciation for transit's prominence in the plan. Technical comments are due by October 20; the committee will vote on a recommendation for adoption November 5, with public review beginning after TPCC approval and final adoption by December 16.
State Funding Shortage Discussion
In general discussion, John Howe raised the Montana League of Cities presentation about MDT lacking sufficient state match funds this year—$40 million in redistribution funds was turned back, representing approximately $4.5 million in matching fund shortfall. Howe asked whether local governments could provide matching funds in place of state funds to access federal dollars. Brandon Jones confirmed precedent exists for local entities providing matching funds on individual projects, citing the City of Belgrade's $1 million contribution to the Belgrade Urban project. Howe indicated he would follow up with MDT Director Doug McBroom and State Transportation Director Neil Guthrie. Chris Scott committed to monitoring planning-level conversations.
Levi Ewan raised Senate Bill 533's recently adopted implementing rules on impact fee funding for residential development and asked whether the district would proactively pursue the systems impact process or wait for individual projects. Chris Scott agreed to research the question and report back.